http://www.mtv.com/news/a...lines=true

Madonna on the set of "American Life"

When details of Madonna's graphic anti-war video for "American Life"
were revealed last week, some people accused the pop queen of being
downright un-American.

That's not how she sees it. For Madonna, issuing a video depicting her
throwing a hand grenade during a fashion show, cavorting with a brigade
of female soldiers and displaying the atrocities of war is as American
as the First Amendment.

"I feel lucky to be an American citizen for many reasons - one of which
is the right to express myself freely, especially in my work," she said
in a statement. (Catch an exclusive sneak peek at Madonna's new video on
Sunday during MTV News' Grammy pre-show, "Backstage at the Grammys," at
7p.m.)

In addition to supporting her right to create controversial art, in her
statement Madonna insisted that she's not "anti-Bush" or "pro-Iraq.
She's "pro-peace," and just critical of the perception many people have
of what it means to be an American. This sentiment is echoed throughout
the song, which isn't about war, but rather addresses materialism.

"I have written a song and created a video which expresses my feelings
about our culture and values and the illusions of what many people
believe is the American dream - the perfect life," she said.

She added that she concocted the imagery of "American Life" not to
offend or incite, but to inspire.

"As an artist, I hope this provokes thought and dialogue," she said. "I
don't expect everyone to agree with my point of view. I am grateful to
have the freedom to express these feelings, and that's how I honor my
country."

The "American Life" video was directed by Jonas Akerlund, who also
helmed Madonna's "Ray of Light" and "Music" videos, and was shot in Los
Angeles the first week of February. Shortly after it was filmed,
Madonna's label issued a statement. "[The video] expresses a panoramic
view of our culture and looming war through the view of a female
superhero portrayed by Madonna. Starting as a runway show of couture
army fatigues, the fashion show escalates into a mad frenzy depicting
the catastrophic repercussions and horrors of war" (see "Madonna Box Set
Will Mark 20th Anniversary Of Her First LP").

Of course, Madonna is no stranger to controversy. In 1989 Pepsi dropped
her as a spokesperson because of the religious and sexual imagery in her
"Like a Prayer" video. Her sexually suggestive 1990 video for "Justify
My Love" was considered too graphic for MTV, and her 1991 book "Sex" was
filled with nude photos of herself and others. And in 2001 her video for
"What It Feels Like for a Girl," depicting Madonna behind the wheel of a
car, running down street hockey players, blowing up a gas station and
driving an elderly woman into a metal pole, was banned because of its
violent content (see "Madonna's New Video: Too Hot For TV").

American Life is due April 22.

Did anybody watch the MTV Pre-Grammy special last night? They showed a lenghty clip of the video,which is now circulating on-line.It looks very interesting...alot of dancing going on.The first part of the song is slower with acoustic guitars,VERY good chorus,then the song speeds up near the end,when Madonna starts rapping.

DavidEye said:

I did! It was fantastic!


Not crazy about the sound of the rapping segment. Sounded a little cheesey...

AaronUnlimited said:

The rapping segment sounds alot like Missy,who will be the doing one of the remixes.

DavidEye said:

what i heard didn't sound at all like Missy... Missy can rap

AaronUnlimited said:

Are you referring to the circulating snippet that goes...

"I'm drinking a soy latte
I get a double shote'
It goes right through my body
And you know I'm satisfied"

Or,did you hear another part of the rap?

If you wanna hear more of the song,go to...



http://netaino.dnsip.net/madonna/al.htm


You will be able to access the "American Life" rap clip (0:10),the MTV Grammy Pre-Show Video Clip (2:23),the MTV Grammy Pre-show audio edit #1 (1:36),and the MTV Grammy Pre-show audio edit #2.